The England and Wales Cricket Board confirmed yesterday that the Danes would add to the international flavour by joining Holland in the competition. Tim Lamb, the ECB chief executive, said their inclusion represented another important foothold for the future of cricket in Europe.

``The recently formed European Cricket Council will build upon this bridgehead to ensure that cricket develops and becomes firmly established throughout Europe,'' said Lamb.

Denmark's prospects for staging games at home depend on the quality of a new grass square being laid at Brondby. They are coached by the best-known player to be produced in the country, former Derbyshire pace bowler Ole Mortensen.

The new-look NatWest Trophy will comprise the 18 first-class counties, Scotland, Ireland, Holland and Denmark, as well as 38 amateur teams representing the new County Boards in England.

Robin Smith and Shaun Udal will learn today which of them is to succeed John Stephenson as Hampshire captain.

Smith was Stephenson's vice-captain during his two seasons in charge at Southampton, while off-spinner Udal, at 28, is six years younger than Smith. Hampshire are also expected to announce at a press conference that they have signed England Under-19 all-rounder Alex Morris from Yorkshire.

Saqlain Mushtaq, the 21-year-old Pakistan off-spinner, has signed a new contract to continue as Surrey's overseas player next summer.